DOH: Surge of cases in ZamPen is alarming

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan 26 (PIA) – Zamboanga Peninsula now records a total of 4,003 active COVID-19 cases as of January 24, 2022.

Department of Health 9 (DOH 9) Assistant Regional Director Dr. Lenny Joy Johnson-Rivera said during the Kapihan na Zamboanga COVID-19 Update, Tuesday (Jan. 25) that the surging cases in Zamboanga Peninsula is alarming. However, this is not to cause panic to the people but to remind them to strictly follow the minimum public health standards.

“We do not need to panic but we need to strictly implement the minimum public standards,” Dr. Johnson-Rivera added.

She also emphasized the public should avoid 3c’s or the conjested, crowded and closed places.

DOH reported that there is an average of 400 cases recorded per day since January 21 to 23, 2022. However, there are no Omicron variant detected in these cases.

Dr. Johnson-Rivera reminded the public to immediately isolate if one is experiencing flu-like symptoms and to get tested. As per the advise of DOH, Rapid Antigen Test is recommended for symptomatic individuals and only in the absence of RT-PCR testing in the area but the individual must take the RT-PCR test for the confirmation of their case.

Home quarantine will still be allowed but still depends on the assessment of the local health office and the classification of the patients symptoms whether experiencing mild to moderate and severe symptoms.

DOH 9 continues to emphasized that the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is being vaccinated. Zamboanga Peninsula is conducting the Regional Vaccination Days or the ‘Zambayanihan Bakunahan’ from January 26 to 28 to ramp-up vaccination activities especially in areas from Alert Level 3 and above.

“This is one of the best initiative of the region. We are taking precautionary measures during the Zambayanihan Bakunahan,” Dr. Johnson-Rivera said.

DOH 9 appeals to the public once again to get vaccinated or get the booster shot to get additional protection especially to vulnerable sectors, “keep well informed and get the correct information about the latest update on COVID-19 response,” Dr. Johnson-Rivera added. (RVC/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)